New Hampshire Foundations of Reading Practice Test

Which characteristic best describes readers in the fluent stage of reading development?

1. They read slowly for comprehension

2. They can read quickly and accurately

3. They focus solely on fiction texts

4. They rely on illustrations to convey meaning

The correct answer is: They can read quickly and accurately

Readers in the fluent stage of reading development are characterized by their ability to read quickly and accurately. At this stage, they have typically developed a strong foundation in phonemic awareness, decoding skills, and vocabulary knowledge, which allows them to recognize words effortlessly and read text with a natural flow. This fluency enables them to focus on comprehension and deeper understanding of the material rather than getting bogged down by individual word recognition. As a result, they can engage with a variety of texts, including both fiction and nonfiction, without excessive reliance on illustrations or slow-paced reading for comprehension. This fluency enhances their overall reading experience and comprehension, allowing them to become more proficient and confident readers.